This article talks about the potential problems the Barcelona Football Club would have if Catalunya seceded from Spain. They note the combination of the soccer team with the nationalist movement and question and I really like the quote from the chairman about what FC Barcelona would do if Catalunya seceded. He says:
“Sandro Rosell, the club chairman, may have joined the September 11th march in Barcelona that shot Catalan independence to the forefront of national debate, but he is clear about the club’s future. It must continue to play in the Spanish league, he says, even if Catalonia becomes independent.”
This would be because the Catalans would need to continue to prove their dominance and influence in Spain. The football team appears like it would be the symbol for Catalunya in Spain and help defend the idea that Catalans could have their own country. If I had to guess, it would also be an important income for the country, as well.